May 18, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• May 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, May 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

May 18, 2020 Monday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Shakespeare, for one	4
2A	5. Product of Chevron or Shell	3
3A	8. Many an electoral chart, in brief	5
4A	13. State that's said to be "high in the middle"	4
5A	14. Con's opposite	3
6A	15. Take a deep breath	6
7A	16. Where Army recruits go to start training	8
8A	18. One placing a phone call	6
9A	19. Houston-based food service giant	5
10A	20. Three goals by the same player	8
11A	22. Actor Wilson	4
12A	25. Part of a Halloween costume	4
13A	26. Shell game	10
14A	30. Norway's capital	4
15A	34. "___ the land of the free ..."	3
16A	35. Prefix with -vore or -scient	4
17A	36. Made snide verbal attacks	6
18A	38. Ostentatiously ornamented	5
19A	40. ___ Arbor, Mich.	3
20A	42. Shade akin to army green	5
21A	43. "Finally!"	6
22A	45. Avocado dip, informally	4
23A	47. Antidiscrimination inits.	3
24A	48. What snakes and lizards do periodically with their skin	4
25A	49. British heavy metal band named for a torture device	10
26A	52. What trees do in the wind	4
27A	54. Coordinate, informally	4
28A	55. All tuckered out	8
29A	59. Go deeply (into)	5
30A	63. ___ borealis	6
31A	64. Game whose tokens have included the starts of 16-, 20-, 26-, 49- and 55-Across	8
32A	67. Apache and Sioux, for two	6
33A	68. Beetles, e.g., for short	3
34A	69. It leads the orchestra in tuning	4
35A	70. ___ Park, Colo.	5
36A	71. Word before lion, level or legs	3
37A	72. Square ones won't fit into round holes	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Shakespeare, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a lyric poet
• Words that mean the same thing: barde, dress up, caparison
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Product of Chevron or Shell"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Words that mean the same thing: gasconade, flatulence, gun
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Many an electoral chart, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USMAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. State that's said to be "high in the middle""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: OH, Buckeye State, Ohio River
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Con's opposite"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional
• The opposite would be: con, anti
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Take a deep breath"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that draw deep into the lungs in by breathing
• Words that mean the same thing: inspire, breathe in
• The opposite would be: exhale
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INHALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Where Army recruits go to start training"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOTCAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. One placing a phone call"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIALER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Houston-based food service giant"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SYSCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Three goals by the same player"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HATTRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Actor Wilson"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that welsh industrialist and social reformer who founded cooperative communities (1771-1858)
• Words that mean the same thing: Robert Owen, Sir Richard Owen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Part of a Halloween costume"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
• Words that mean the same thing: masquerade party, masque, disguise
• The opposite would be: unmask
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Shell game"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a swindling sleight-of-hand game; victim guesses which of three things a pellet is under
• Words that mean the same thing: shell game
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THIMBLERIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Norway's capital"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
• Words that mean the same thing: Christiania, capital of Norway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. "___ the land of the free ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Prefix with -vore or -scient"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Made snide verbal attacks"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hunt or shoot snipe
• Words that mean the same thing: crop, prune, cut back
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNIPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Ostentatiously ornamented"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (britain) a celebratory reunion feast or entertainment held a college
• Words that mean the same thing: flashy, garish, flash
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAUDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. ___ Arbor, Mich."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Shade akin to army green"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
• Words that mean the same thing: European olive tree, Olea europaea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. "Finally!""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATLAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Avocado dip, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Antidiscrimination inits."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. What snakes and lizards do periodically with their skin"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
• Words that mean the same thing: pour forth, moult, caducous
• The opposite would be: persistent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. British heavy metal band named for a torture device"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRONMAIDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. What trees do in the wind"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that controlling influence
• Words that mean the same thing: rock, persuade, carry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Coordinate, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make synchronous and adjust in time or manner
• Words that mean the same thing: synchronize, synchronise
• The opposite would be: desynchronise, desynchronize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SYNC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. All tuckered out"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGTIRED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Go deeply (into)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that turn up, loosen, or remove earth
• Words that mean the same thing: dig, cut into, turn over
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DELVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. ___ borealis"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the first light of day
• Words that mean the same thing: morning, dawn, dayspring
• The opposite would be: sunset
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AURORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Game whose tokens have included the starts of 16-, 20-, 26-, 49- and 55-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MONOPOLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Apache and Sioux, for two"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a social division of (usually preliterate) people
• Words that mean the same thing: kin, folk, kindred
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIBES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Beetles, e.g., for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. It leads the orchestra in tuning"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "70. ___ Park, Colo."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESTES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "71. Word before lion, level or legs"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "72. Square ones won't fit into round holes"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: nail, nail down, leg
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEGS

  Great job if you got it right!

May 18, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Short hairstyles	4
2D	2. Greeting to a "matey"	4
3D	3. Rivers, in Mexico	4
4D	4. Company doing business mostly online	6
5D	5. 4.0 is a superb one, in brief	3
6D	6. Cost an ___ and a leg	3
7D	7. Student who's no longer a frosh	4
8D	8. Cups and quarts	5
9D	9. Controversial cosmetics ingredient	8
10D	10. Its capital is Bamako	4
11D	11. Trump impersonator Baldwin	4
12D	12. Become more attentive, with "up"	4
13D	15. Pet collar attachments	6
14D	17. Some rodeo riders	7
15D	21. "What ___?" (end of a riddle)	3
16D	23. Stately tree	3
17D	24. "99 Red Balloons" singer	4
18D	26. Some fraternity party getups	5
19D	27. Actor Ledger	5
20D	28. Cry made while chest-thumping	5
21D	29. Rock Starr?	5
22D	31. Observed secretly	5
23D	32. Flood blocker	5
24D	33. Ancient theater	5
25D	37. Slangy turndown of a request for help	7
26D	39. Expectant papas	8
27D	41. Convent residents	4
28D	44. Bejeweled bands	6
29D	46. Senator Klobuchar	3
30D	50. Loaf with seeds	3
31D	51. Cold treat on a stick	6
32D	53. Tangle behind a computer, maybe	5
33D	55. Calendar info	4
34D	56. "___ is not to reason why ..."	4
35D	57. Stick-to-itiveness	4
36D	58. License bureaus, for short	4
37D	60. Part of an ear or brain	4
38D	61. Certain YouTube posting	4
39D	62. Seeing things?	4
40D	65. Be indebted to	3
41D	66. Secretive government org.	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Short hairstyles"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former monetary unit in great britain
• Words that mean the same thing: bobsled, bob, bobtail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Greeting to a "matey""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Rivers, in Mexico"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro, Rio
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Company doing business mostly online"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOTCOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. 4.0 is a superb one, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
• Words that mean the same thing: grade point average
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Cost an ___ and a leg"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
• Words that mean the same thing: build up, gird, fortify
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Student who's no longer a frosh"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a second-year undergraduate
• Words that mean the same thing: sophomore
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Cups and quarts"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: building block, unit, unit of measurement
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Controversial cosmetics ingredient"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHARKOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Its capital is Bamako"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a landlocked republic in northwestern africa; achieved independence from france in 1960; mali was a center of west african civilization for more than 4,000 years
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Mali, French Sudan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Trump impersonator Baldwin"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Become more attentive, with "up""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
• Words that mean the same thing: perquisite, pick up, gain vigor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Pet collar attachments"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDTAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Some rodeo riders"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
• Words that mean the same thing: cowhand, cowman, cowboy
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COWBOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "What ___?" (end of a riddle)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Stately tree"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Words that mean the same thing: elmwood, elm tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "99 Red Balloons" singer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Some fraternity party getups"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
• Words that mean the same thing: toga
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Actor Ledger"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a low evergreen shrub of the family ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
• Words that mean the same thing: heathland
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Cry made while chest-thumping"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Rock Starr?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RINGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Observed secretly"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that catch sight of
• Words that mean the same thing: descry, sight, snoop
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Flood blocker"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEVEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Ancient theater"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Slangy turndown of a request for help"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOCANDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Expectant papas"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DADSTOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Convent residents"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a woman religious
• Words that mean the same thing: nun, nun buoy, conical buoy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Bejeweled bands"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: tiara
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIARAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Senator Klobuchar"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Loaf with seeds"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the seed of the cereal grass
• Words that mean the same thing: Secale cereale, rye whiskey, rye whisky
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Cold treat on a stick"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICEPOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Tangle behind a computer, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: cable, conducting wire, telegram
• The opposite would be: unwire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Calendar info"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the specified day of the month
• Words that mean the same thing: engagement, go out, go steady
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. "___ is not to reason why ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. Stick-to-itiveness"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
• Words that mean the same thing: guts, sand, moxie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. License bureaus, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DMVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Part of an ear or brain"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Certain YouTube posting"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VLOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Seeing things?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that opinion or judgment
• Words that mean the same thing: center, centre, oculus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Be indebted to"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be obliged to pay or repay
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "66. Secretive government org."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
• Words that mean the same thing: National Security Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	61.5%
Short Answer	13	16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	6	7.7%
Geography	5	6.4%
Sports	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• July 06 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• 27440 Fri Dec 27 2024 Ny Times
• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 13
• April 02 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 at 04:25 AM

October 12, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (41 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• May 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
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• March 01 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 01 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, October 12, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 80 (41 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

NYT Monday Crossword Across Clues - October 12, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Winning a blue ribbon	4
2A	5. San ___ (California city, informally)	4
3A	9. Trite	5
4A	14. State as fact	4
5A	15. Toy that hurts when you step on it barefoot	4
6A	16. Defendant's excuse	5
7A	17. Some deep voices	9
8A	19. Kind of snack chip	5
9A	20. Letter container: Abbr.	3
10A	21. Have debts	3
11A	22. When a plane is due to leave, for short	3
12A	24. Sweetie	3
13A	25. Her: Fr.	4
14A	27. Parts of gas stoves	8
15A	29. Like movies with considerable sex or violence	6
16A	31. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny catchphrase)	5
17A	32. Friendship	5
18A	33. Kind of cherry	4
19A	34. Electrical adapter letters	4
20A	38. "Dee-lish!"	3
21A	39. Mash-up	7
22A	42. Paris street	3
23A	43. One who's well-versed in the arts?	4
24A	45. Stout and porter	4
25A	46. Protein builder, informally	5
26A	48. Sharp or sour in taste	5
27A	50. Fireplace log holders	6
28A	51. Where touchdowns are scored	8
29A	54. Prefix with business or culture	4
30A	55. Seoul-based automaker	3
31A	56. Pretty ___ picture	3
32A	57. "Dude"	3
33A	58. College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa	3
34A	61. They were released from Pandora's box	5
35A	63. "That was fortunate"	9
36A	66. Special Forces headgear	5
37A	67. One of several on a superhighway	4
38A	68. Analogy phrase	4
39A	69. "Get Yer ___ Out!" (Rolling Stones live album)	5
40A	70. School founded by Henry VI	4
41A	71. Auto license issuers, for short	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Winning a blue ribbon"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the supreme effort one can make
• Words that mean the same thing: in force, topper, honest
• The opposite would be: bad, disadvantageously
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. San ___ (California city, informally)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Trite"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
• Words that mean the same thing: old-hat, stock, commonplace
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BANAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. State as fact"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that report or maintain
• Words that mean the same thing: allege, affirm, avow
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Toy that hurts when you step on it barefoot"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
• Words that mean the same thing: Lego set
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Defendant's excuse"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
• Words that mean the same thing: exculpation, excuse, self-justification
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALIBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Some deep voices"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male singer
• Words that mean the same thing: barytone, baritone voice, baritone
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARITONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Kind of snack chip"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tortilla chip topped with cheese and chili-pepper and broiled
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NACHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Letter container: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Have debts"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be obliged to pay or repay
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. When a plane is due to leave, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
• Words that mean the same thing: explosive trace detection
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Sweetie"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Her: Fr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Parts of gas stoves"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an oven or part of a stove used for broiling
• Words that mean the same thing: broiler
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROILERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Like movies with considerable sex or violence"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATEDR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny catchphrase)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AINTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Friendship"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cordial disposition
• Words that mean the same thing: cordiality
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Kind of cherry"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Electrical adapter letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACDC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. "Dee-lish!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MMM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Mash-up"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth; except for iron and platinum all metals dissolve in mercury and chemists refer to the resulting mercury mixtures as amalgams
• Words that mean the same thing: dental amalgam
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMALGAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Paris street"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: repent, Ruta graveolens, regret
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. One who's well-versed in the arts?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Stout and porter"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• Words that mean the same thing: ale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Protein builder, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the radical -nh2
• Words that mean the same thing: aminic, amino group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Sharp or sour in taste"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACIDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Fireplace log holders"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a frame of iron bars to hold a fire
• Words that mean the same thing: fret, scrape, rankle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Where touchdowns are scored"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDZONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Prefix with business or culture"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Seoul-based automaker"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Pretty ___ picture"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. "Dude""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. They were released from Pandora's box"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that morally objectionable behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: iniquity, immorality, evil
• The opposite would be: good, goodness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. "That was fortunate""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOODTHING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Special Forces headgear"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cap with no brim or bill; made of soft cloth
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BERET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. One of several on a superhighway"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrow way or road
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "68. Analogy phrase"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "69. "Get Yer ___ Out!" (Rolling Stones live album)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAYAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "70. School founded by Henry VI"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "71. Auto license issuers, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DMVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Monday Puzzle October 12, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Sweetie	4
2D	2. Actress ___ Rachel Wood	4
3D	3. Be in jail	9
4D	4. Prefix with cycle	3
5D	5. With 50-Down, place that this puzzle grid represents	6
6D	6. Descartes who said "I think, therefore I am"	4
7D	7. Grow older	3
8D	8. Some facial jewelry	9
9D	9. One holding people up	6
10D	10. Pie ___ mode	3
11D	11. Limited kind of market	5
12D	12. Despise	5
13D	13. Detroit pro team	5
14D	18. "See? What'd I say!"	6
15D	23. Polynesian kingdom	5
16D	26. Tennis do-over	3
17D	27. Brand of Irish cream liqueur	7
18D	28. ___ Fáil (ancient crowning stone)	3
19D	29. Skatepark feature	4
20D	30. Bullets and such	4
21D	33. United States symbol	9
22D	35. "You did it all wrong!," e.g.	9
23D	36. Hill on a beach	4
24D	37. Corp. V.I.P.s	4
25D	40. Important pipes	5
26D	41. Actress Robbie of "I, Tonya"	6
27D	44. Cartoon "devil," informally	3
28D	47. Damage in appearance	3
29D	49. The U.S. has East and West ones	6
30D	50. See 5-Down	6
31D	51. Barely make it	5
32D	52. Skin care brand since 1911	5
33D	53. Milk and cheese products, collectively	5
34D	57. Lead singer for U2	4
35D	59. Airing	4
36D	60. Self-identities	4
37D	62. Meadow	3
38D	64. Feedbag tidbit	3
39D	65. Placed so as not to be found	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Sweetie"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
• Words that mean the same thing: infant, baby, sister
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BABE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Actress ___ Rachel Wood"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Be in jail"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERVETIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Prefix with cycle"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. With 50-Down, place that this puzzle grid represents"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
• Words that mean the same thing: efflorescence, bloom, heyday
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Descartes who said "I think, therefore I am""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Grow older"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: old age, maturate, senesce
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Some facial jewelry"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOSERINGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. One holding people up"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band
• Words that mean the same thing: brigand
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BANDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Pie ___ mode"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Limited kind of market"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
• Words that mean the same thing: recession, ecological niche, recess
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Despise"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that find repugnant
• Words that mean the same thing: abominate, execrate, loathe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABHOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Detroit pro team"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
• Words that mean the same thing: lion, Lion, Leo the Lion
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. "See? What'd I say!""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOLDYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Polynesian kingdom"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a monarchy on a polynesian archipelago in the south pacific; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1970
• Words that mean the same thing: Friendly Islands, Kingdom of Tonga
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Tennis do-over"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Words that mean the same thing: Army of the Pure, have, lease
• The opposite would be: disallow, prevent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Brand of Irish cream liqueur"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states singer (1918-1990)
• Words that mean the same thing: Pearl Mae Bailey, Bailey, Nathan Bailey
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAILEYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. ___ Fáil (ancient crowning stone)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Skatepark feature"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inclined surface connecting two levels
• Words that mean the same thing: wild leek, Allium tricoccum, incline
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Bullets and such"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that projectiles to be fired from a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: ammunition
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. United States symbol"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALDEAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. "You did it all wrong!," e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
• Words that mean the same thing: critique, unfavorable judgment, literary criticism
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRITICISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Hill on a beach"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
• Words that mean the same thing: sand dune
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Corp. V.I.P.s"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
• Words that mean the same thing: chief executive officer, CEO, chief operating officer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Important pipes"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any very large body of (salt) water
• Words that mean the same thing: briny, main
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Actress Robbie of "I, Tonya""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARGOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Cartoon "devil," informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. Damage in appearance"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following february and preceding april
• Words that mean the same thing: spoil, deflower, mutilate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "49. The U.S. has East and West ones"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the shore of a sea or ocean
• Words that mean the same thing: slide, glide, sea-coast
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. See 5-Down"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Barely make it"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EKEBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Skin care brand since 1911"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIVEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Milk and cheese products, collectively"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a farm where dairy products are produced
• Words that mean the same thing: dairy farm
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Lead singer for U2"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Airing"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONTV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "60. Self-identities"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: egotism, self-importance, self
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. Meadow"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
• Words that mean the same thing: pastureland, ley, pasture
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "64. Feedbag tidbit"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "65. Placed so as not to be found"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prevent from being seen or discovered
• Words that mean the same thing: obliterate, enshroud, shroud
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HID

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	61.3%
Short Answer	17	21.2%
Geography	3	3.8%
Abbreviation	3	3.8%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.8%
Music	1	1.2%
Sports	1	1.2%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	41
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	80
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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• March 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• 27420 Fri Dec 06 2024 NYT By Robyn
• August 29 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 28 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
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• May 01 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 21, 2025 at 11:38 PM